New Year’s Tidings to all! Do you happen to know how important the life and health of your vehicle is? While new cars depreciate in value every year, don’t believe the pot of lies that your vehicle isn’t an investment—because it is! The value and length of your car’s overall life depends on how well you take care of it. Part of that care requires being ahead of your car’s maintenance before it becomes a problem child. Let’s work out the best habits you should get into for the New Year to keep your baby running well.

Checks and balances – Check your tires to make sure they have enough air and enough tread (try the penny test). And be sure to check your lights (interior and exterior), battery, brakes, belts, and hoses.

Replace your windshield wiper blades – Spring rain will bring heavy usage of your windshield wiper blades, so this time of year works well for an annual replacement.

Replace your filters – Check your oil filter, engine air filter, and cabin air filter (if your car has one) to make sure they’re all in good shape, and replace whatever needs it.

Checks and balances – First and foremost, check your tire pressure, as rising temperatures may affect your tire pressure and lead to flats or blowouts. Also check on your brakes, filters, hoses, and belts.

Don’t forget your air conditioning – Nobody wants to be without AC once the heat sets in. Bring your car in to Integrity Automotive to have an AC diagnosis if you believe its necessary.

Change your oil – High temperatures, long road trips and towing loads can mean a hotter engine that asks more of your motor oil. Make sure you change your oil and oil filter regularly and consider upgrading to a synthetic for extra protection.

Inspect your steering and suspension – An annual check-in will serve you well when it comes to your shock absorbers, struts, chassis parts, and other related parts.

Get a tune-up – It’s never a bad idea to get an annual tune-up, and fall’s a great time with winter weather coming up shortly. Let a professional look under the hood and make sure your year’s worth of maintenance has gone according to plan.

Winter

Monitor your fluids – Always keep your gas tank at least half full, make sure you’re using the right coolant (to keep it from freezing), and for older vehicles, consider switching to a thinner viscosity of motor oil.

Checks and balances – Make sure to check your tire pressure, battery life, breaks, windshield wipers, spark plugs, and lights to make sure they’re all performing smoothly and nothing needs to be replaced.

Test your exhaust system – A leaky exhaust system can be especially dangerous during the winter, so now’s the time for an annual check-up.

Pack an emergency kit – You’re more likely to get stuck somewhere in the winter, so make sure you’ve packed jumper cables, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand or kitty litter (for stuck tires), tire chains, a flashlight, extra windshield wiper fluid, and warm clothes like gloves, boots, and a blanket. It wouldn’t hurt to keep some snacks in the glove box too.

We always strive to do everything we can to make your experience with us fantastic. If you have any questions about car care seasonal maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out.